Met Police Officer Found Guilty of Assault at Crime Scene
A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been convicted of assault after he attacked a man who called police to report criminal damage.
PC Jonathan Marsh Found Guilty
PC Jonathan Marsh, from the East Area Command Unit, was found guilty at the City of London Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 January. His sentencing is set for 29 February at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Assault Incident on Atlanta Boulevard, Romford
The court heard that on 13 November 2022, Marsh and colleagues responded to a report of criminal damage in Romford. Upon arrival, Marsh mistook the complainant for the suspect, despite the man clearly informing officers he was the caller.
PC Marsh attempted to handcuff the innocent man, then took him to the ground and punched him in the head. The victim was handcuffed and put into a police van, where Marsh continued to shout and swear at him.
The complainant was later correctly identified and released at the scene. The incident was swiftly referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which launched an independent investigation leading to charges against Marsh.
Police Leadership Condemns Excessive Force
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, head of policing in East Area, said: “All police officers know they will be held to account for any use of force, and any use of force must be reasonable.
“On this occasion, PC Marsh went beyond the level of force necessary and it is right that he has to face the criminal consequences of his actions.”
With criminal proceedings over, a misconduct hearing for PC Marsh is now set to begin.
